Star Wheel Tape Sealing Apparatus with Automatic Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for bundling products, such as flowers or produce, using elastic bands or adhesive tape are inefficient, particularly when the tape is not properly cut, leading to incomplete sealing or tying.
Innovation Solution
A hand-operated apparatus featuring a star wheel with alternating first and second cells, where adhesive tape is dispensed over the star wheel, and a knife carrier moves into second cells to cut the tape, ensuring secure bundling by rotating the star wheel to position the bundle and cutting the tape effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a knife is provided at the end of an angled arm to cut tape behind the wheel, then the tape can be cut after bundling, but the tape will not be cut properly if the device is removed from the bag before the arm triggering the knife has been reached
Solution Approach 1:
The star wheel mechanism automatically triggers the knife cutting action through its own rotation. As the star wheel rotates to position the bundle, a cam or lever on the wheel interacts with the knife arm, automatically activating the cutting function without requiring separate manual triggering. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable tape cutting while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The knife is positioned and pre-loaded in a ready state before the bundling process begins. The cutting action is triggered automatically during the star wheel rotation sequence, ensuring the tape is cut at the precise moment when the bundle is properly formed, eliminating the need for post-bundling adjustments or complex manual triggering.
2Strength
If adhesive tape is wrapped around the bundle for tying, then secure bundling is achieved, but improper cutting leads to incomplete sealing or tying
Solution Approach 1:
The manual or imprecise cutting method is replaced with a mechanically integrated cutting system. The knife is positioned within the star wheel mechanism itself, where the rotation and positioning of the wheel provide precise control over the cutting location. This mechanical integration ensures consistent, accurate cuts that maintain bundle security.
Solution Approach 2:
The star wheel acts as an intermediary between the tape wrapping process and the cutting action. It receives the wrapped bundle, maintains proper positioning during rotation, and triggers the knife at the precise moment needed. This intermediary mechanism ensures both secure bundling and precise cutting without direct manual intervention.
3Device complexity
If the star wheel has only first cells for tying, then the structure is simple, but there is no provision for automatic knife triggering and tape cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The star wheel is segmented into two distinct types of cells: first cells for the tying process and second cells for the cutting process. This segmentation allows each cell type to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a relatively simple overall wheel structure. The alternating arrangement of first and second cells enables automatic knife triggering during rotation without significantly increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The star wheel is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds and rotates the bundle during tying (first cells) and simultaneously triggers the knife cutting mechanism (second cells). This multi-functionality increases bundling efficiency by combining wrapping and cutting operations in a single rotational cycle, while the wheel itself remains a relatively simple rotating component.
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for sealing or tying products, comprising a housing ( 2 ) with at least a first tape dispenser (3) and a star wheel (4), a slot (5) defined by or through the housing, wherein the star wheel extends at least partly in said slot, wherein the star wheel comprises a series of first cells (19) and a series of second cells (20), the first and second cells being intermittently disposed in the star wheel, each cell being open to a periphery of the star wheel and two opposite sides thereof, wherein an urging device is provided having at least one edge portion for urging at least one product to be tied into one of the cells, especially a first cell.